Joanne Shaw Taylor’s newest album, Heavy Soul, produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley, celebrated for his work with Joe Bonamassa, Iron Maiden, and John Hiatt, dives deep into emotional turmoil with compelling lyrics and stirring melodies. Already garnering praise for its seamless blend of contemporary soul pop and traditional blues, the album features accomplished musicians like Anton Fig, Alison Presswood, and Rob McNelley.

Taylor’s career began when Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame discovered her at 16. Impressed by her extraordinary guitar skills, Stewart invited her to join his supergroup, D.U.P., propelling her into the spotlight. Her talent on the guitar quickly attracted accolades from music giants such as Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox.

Now in her 30s, Taylor has cemented her reputation as one of the most coveted guitarists in rock and blues. Her debut album, White Sugar (2009) showcased her soulful voice and exceptional songwriting, followed by albums like Diamonds In The Dirt (2010) and Almost Always Never (2012). The latter featured the UK radio hit “Soul Station.”

In 2014, Taylor’s fourth studio album, The Dirty Truth, hit the shelves, and featured standout tracks “Mud, Honey” and “Wicked Soul.” Her fifth album, Wild, her first produced by Shirley, included memorable performances of “Dyin’ To Know” and “Summertime” on BBC Two’s Later… with Jools Holland.

Over the past two decades, Taylor has evolved into a prolific songwriter, with each album surpassing the success of the last. Her 2019 album, Reckless Heart, broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, earning her a legion of newly devoted fans.

In 2021, she collaborated with producers Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith for her seventh album, The Blues Album, released under Bonamassa's KTBA Records. This project highlighted her deepening artistry and earned critical acclaim, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.

The following year, Taylor released her first live DVD and Blues From The Heart Live, her second consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. The DVD showcased her electrifying live performances and expanded her reach, leading to her US television debut on PBS.

Later in 2022, Taylor released her eighth studio album, Nobody’s Fool, which featured collaborations with Bonamassa, Stewart, Tina Guo, and Carmen Vandenberg.

Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Taylor’s latest studio album, Heavy Soul, delves into the depths of emotional struggles with powerful lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. The album has been praised for its fusion of contemporary soul-pop with traditional blues roots, featuring accomplished musicians like Anton Fig, Alison Presswood, and Rob McNelley.